One of my beautiful nieces posted on Facebook this morning that with a full moon in Pisces this Saturday, she was going to curl up in solitude with tissues and comfort food.

Having no clue why a full moon would be tissue-worthy, I looked it up. It turns out that in astrological circles having a super full moon in Pisces will create some kind of emotional Armageddon. Holy hanky, Batman!

It occurred to me that there are plenty of times a girl needs a good cry, and you don’t have to wait for a full moon.

Romantic breakup? Hate your job? Chronic stress? Or just overdue for a good cry? Go for it, and make it count.

Since I hang in the “go big or go home” camp, here are my tips for planning The Best Pity Party.

It’s a Date

Sure, you can have an impromptu pity party, but that tends to fall more into the category of a meltdown. Not so much bang for your boo-hoo buck. Not to mention what a pain it is to have to apologize to innocent bystanders or your boss.

So when you feel your emotional tide rising, pick a date in the near future when you can take care of your girl-business, when you can have at least a few hours without interruption. If you are overdue for some serious wallowing, try to take a whole day.

If you have a man in the house, it may be a good idea to warn him that you are planning some intense girl-only stuff.

Warm and Fuzzy

Of course, you will need plenty of tissues. You may want to grab some of the kind with lotion.

What is your most comfy outfit? That old tee-shirt and sweat pants? Flannel jammies and bunny slippers? Go for it.

Remember to have your favorite pillows and blankets on hand. You can build a nest on the couch or in your big chair.

Heck, this event can be held in your bed! Put on your favorite sheets. Drape a scarf over the lamp for mood lighting.

A bedside table or large tray can hold your goodies.

I shouldn’t have to tell you that a natural face is the best face to bring to this party. Running mascara is a waste of your tissues!

Food, Glorious Food

What is a party without refreshments? My niece nailed it by planning for comfort food.

What are your go-to comfort foods? Macaroni and cheese would work, if you don’t have to mess around in the kitchen too much. Ditto for anything with noodles or dumplings.

A friend of mine swears by cookie dough that comes in a roll. She parks herself on the couch with her dough and a spoon. (I suppose I should mention that it is not recommended to eat raw cookie dough, so there you are.)

Adult beverages are optional, but I personally enjoy some wine with my whine. Wine and munchies, like cheese and crackers.

Chocolate is an entire comfort food group. Besides good old chocolate candy, there are dips, sauces, ice cream and even chocolate martinis. Oh yeah.

In the Mood

Nothing beats a tear-jerker movie for facilitating a good cry.

Great four-hanky films never go out of style, like On Borrowed Time and Penny Serenade from the 30’s and 40’s.

More modern selections might be The Sixth Sense, Titanic and The Notebook.

Long before movies, ladies wept over a good book like Wuthering Heights or Anna Karenina.

Share your favorite movies and chick-lit in the comments below!

Final Touches

Whether you are curling up in front of your television screen or with a book, pull down the shades, mute the phone and light some candles.

Sometimes a girl just needs a good cry, so you might as well make it an event. Rather than go around on the verge of tears for days, get it all out and be done with it.

Next time, invite a girlfriend or two and pass the popcorn. Then you can all feel better, together.

Until then, I am sending kind thoughts, from my home to yours!